Today in Tel Aviv July 3rd, 2009

2009-07-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

Last Night in Tel Aviv June 29th, 2009

2009-07-01T02:27:00.000-07:00

Last Night in Tel Aviv June 28th, 2009

2009-06-30T07:20:00.001-07:00

Becca & Alon Get Married June 25th, 2009

2009-06-27T06:50:00.001-07:00

WATCH THE FLICK

Scenes from an Engagement Party June 18th, 2009

2009-06-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Why not watch mini motion pictures of the party?

Gutter Twins Perform at Club BarbieSeptember 3rd, 2008

2009-06-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of seeing my first concert in Tel Aviv:
Mark Lanegan & Greg Dulli,
The Gutter Twins.

Read What I Wrote About The Experience For Anthem Magazine Online

This is what I said when I had it to say... A Month Of Collective Musings: August 23 - September 23, 2008

2009-06-17T02:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Israel Update: A Henna Party & The First weekend

Current mood: breezy

On Thursday, Tina and I went to a henna Party, which is basically a Sephardic pre-wedding fete. A lot of food was served, a lot of ass shaking transpired, and eventually the henna was placed on both palms of each guest. I guess it would now be appropriate to decipher the mystery of henna for the potential laymen. It is a tenet of Sephardic tradition to place henna on both palms before a wedding. It basically looks like mud smeared, or chocolate melted, across the hand. After a few minutes, one washes off the caking and is left with a yellowish imprint on the palms that lasts for about a week. The color and effect is quite similar to heavy smoker’s fingers after a night of abuse. The tradition is supposed to promote healthy fertility, which the Jews need very little help with. The whole affair was a good time. I got to meet new people, and that is never a bad thing. The food was pretty damn good, although a copious amount found its way to the table and became overbearing in time. It was a very festive evening and the abundance of energy and spirit was amply evident. I smiled a lot. In other news.... It is my first weekend in Tel Aviv. Soon I plan to make my way to the beach; the first time since arriving. It’s hotter than hell and I expect an instant tan. Tonight we may head to the movies. On Monday, I return to the bank and receive a card and some checks. Wednesday, I head to some other bureaucratic affair and present all the evidence of my existence and finally get my benefits instated. That is all for now. Take care.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Israel Update: A Wedding, A Job Interview, and A Record Label

Current mood: cheerful

Last night I went to my first wedding in Israel. The ceremony was truly poetic, and everyone in attendance was clearly moved. The bride couldn’t restrain her tears for presumably happy reasons, but maybe she was having a serious case of cold feet. Needless to say, this caused many of the women in attendance to lose their composure as well. To be fair, some men appeared to follow suit. The wedding took place somewhere south of Tel Aviv at what appeared to be some sort of farm. For those who attended Shane’s east coast memorial, the layout and vibe was very similar. A lot of food was served and a lot of dancing took place. In Israel, celebration is taken up with serious vigor. Everybody joins in, no exceptions. Close to midnight, after dessert was served, we decided that we had had enough stimulation and headed back to Tel Aviv, or as I now call it: “home, sweet home.” As some of you may know, I gave up drinking a while ago. Despite the immense pleasure that decision has bestowed upon me, I was curious how my life in Israel would fare without the aid of social lube. Well I have to say it’s made meeting people easier and significantly more pleasurable. To make matters even more gracious than they already are, drinking in Israel pales in comparison to the U.S., so the temptation to rid myself of social anxiety through the copious intake of alcohol seems less appealing then it already does, which is nil. In other news... I have my first job interview tomorrow morning at 10am. I really hope to land this job and start working as soon as possible. I won’t go into details about the type of work i’ll be doing, but just leave it at “hehehehehe.” If you are beyond curious, send me an email and I’ll discuss it with you. You know what?, I’ll say one more thing: sex sells. Before you drag out your “jump to conclusions” mats, let me say: the only position I would find myself in is writing. And finally... I may have found a home for the newest Foreign Capitols record. As some of you know, Foreign Capitols is the name Scott Homiak and I go by when creating sweet music. There is a tiny record label operating out of Tel Aviv that may be interested in putting out and distributing our latest effort. I really don’t want to go into details until something concrete surfaces. Ok, that’s all for now. Hope all is well.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Israel Update: Job Interview

Current mood: blessed

Today I had my first job interview in Israel. I wore khaki pants, a blue button-down, and what I can only describe as boat shoes. I guess humans call them loafers, but I’m not sure. By 9 in the morning, when I left the house, it felt as though it was 147 degrees. I then proceeded to walk, under the unshakable, scorching sun, for approximately 20 minutes to my destination. Fortunately I didn’t get lost and was half an hour early for my interview. I went inside and waited in the air conditioning. Here is a good spot to mention that things swing a bit differently in Israel - a job interview being a great example. Despite the fact that the company I was interviewing at is large and has an entire floor in a fancy building, I looked as out-of-place as a space alien. NO ONE was dressed the slightest bit stuffy. Shorts, jeans, ripped t-shirts, skirts, etc. I was the only one to have my shirt tucked into my pants and felt like a doofus for doing so. Finally, at 10, a woman introduced herself to me and took me to her office. She proceeded to tell me about the company and then “interview” me. Again, in Israel things are less formal, and the interview was no exception. I can almost claim honestly that I enjoyed it. After all we talked about South Africa, Leonard Cohen, The price of coffee in the U.S. and Tel Aviv, porn, and Foreign Capitols. After the chat, I took a writing test of sorts. The whole affair lasted a little more than an hour. We exchanged goodbyes, and she told me they would have an answer for me soon. I’m really hoping to get it. Hope all is well where it should be. Until the next best thing becomes the best thing, I bid you “shalom.”

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Israel Update: The Shape Of Things To Come

Current mood: optimistic

Ok, Ok. Things are OK! This morning I went and and got my “new” immigrant card which states I am eligible to receive my benefits, including a tiny, monthly stipend, a voucher for 500 hours of hebrew instruction, some tax exemptions, and other helpful aids for adjustment to my new home. In a few days a counselor will call me in and discuss my benefits in detail, and then things can finally get moving. After that, I return to the bank and setup my account appropriately. Then I register for a healthcare provider, which consists of another 20 steps, I’m sure. When that’s done I .... etc. etc. etc. In other news, the interview I had yesterday appears to have gone well because they called me in for a final interview tomorrow. Hooray. In less than 2 weeks I really accomplished a lot. If I land this job I’ll be happier than a hungry hippo. Tina took the day off today and we’re spending some sweet time together. We may even catch a movie this evening. Life is good and I’m happy with the shape of things to come. Hope all is well with everyone, everywhere, always. Until tomorrow’s blog, I bid you all farewell.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Israel Update: The Shape Of Things To Come Part II

Current mood: accomplished

Well, dear readers, it appears that I have landed a job. Today I interviewed with two managers and then spoke again with the woman who originally interviewed me. She gave me a contract to take home, sign and return Sunday. She mentioned that another candidate was coming in to interview with the same two managers, but that she preferred me and let them know already. She further elaborated that the only reason they were interviewing another candidate was in case I backed out, which I have no plans of doing. Unfortunately once I start working, my blogs are bound to become more scarce. To further complicate things, I’m gonna start studying hebrew at night. I imagine I’ll be very, very busy for a year or so. But after I learn the language and have the experience of working in Tel Aviv under my belt, I am confident I will be amply proud, satisfied, and ready to tackle anything. My second weekend in Israel is quickly creeping up, and I am very excited for it. I probably won’t blog again until after my meeting with HR on Sunday. Hope all is well State and World-side. I miss you guys and gals!

Monday, September 01, 2008

Israel Update: The Shape Of Things

Current mood: anxious

Today I had an appointment with a man from human resources with regard to my potential new job. He interviewed me a bit and then explained the specifics of the position, more or less. We got along very well and he confirmed that the job was mine. He was kind and told me that he was glad the company was hiring me. I laughed and returned the sentiment. We decided that my first day of work would begin Tuesday, so I have one more day of complete, uninterrupted freedom before having it snatched away. In honesty, I’m kidding. I am excited to begin full-time work. To meet even more new people. To finally challenge myself a bit in terms of employment. God knows it’s been a long time, if ever, since that’s happened. In other news... I’m seeing The Gutter Twins next week. It will be my first experience seeing live music in Tel Aviv, so I’m pretty excited. The fact that it’s The Gutter Twins raises my excitement even more. Tina and I saw “Elegy” at the movies Saturday and enjoyed a delicious Geogian meal with some friends yesterday. “Elegy” was pretty damn good despite provoking near tears. Dinner was beyond delicious and the company was good. Tomorrow marks my two week mark. Time is flying, yet feels like forever. Hope all is well.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Israel Update: My New Job & The Future, Presently

Current mood: animated

Hello. For the sake of discretion I will have to tidy up this here blog, so I apologize in advance. Today was my first day of work. I came in this morning and spent about an hour and a half tending to bureaucratic matters - bank stuff, id, paperwork, etc. After the formality, my new boss sat me down and gave me an outline of what was in store. He began by telling me very nice compliments about my writing sample and the way I conducted myself during the interview. Then he shifted tone and put on his strict suit; told me the company was very professional despite its adult content and how he expected top-notch work. After the meeting he sent me off to look at women for 8 hours so I can get a complete feel for the site, inside and out (no pun intended). So I did exactly that! I looked and I clicked and I chatted and I poked and I scrolled and I browsed and... Tomorrow I think maybe I write something. Who knows? In any case, the company has quite an enjoyable work environment. It is professional, yet relaxed, and everyone I’ve met thus far has managed to impress me in one way or another, or at least highly amuse me. I’m hoping this job leads to many forks that expand beyond my current position, but that’s the future and I’ll leave it there for now... Tomorrow I am seeing The Gutter Twins. Rock n’ Roll in Tel Aviv!... I have some wedding coming up in two weeks... In October I am traveling to Germany to see Leonard Cohen... I recorded some brand new songs recently. They are available to stream and download on my blog. Have a listen... Life is good. It’s been a while since those words left my mouth, or fingers, and it feels good to say and write it. Hope all is well in the places I am not. Write me when you get a chance. I’d love to hear from you.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Israel Update: Rock n’ Roll in Tel Aviv Part I

Current mood: worried

I saw The Gutter Twins (Mark Lanegan & Greg Dulli) on wednesday. It was incredible! They were amazing! I highly recommend witnessing their might if they perform somewhere near to you. I won’t go into detail because I’m writing a piece for ANTHEM MAGAZINE ONLINE about the show. Of course I’ll let you know when it’s available. In other news... I didn’t want to mention this before on such a open forum, but my mom has been sick and just got out of the hospital yesterday. It would bring me a GREAT JOY if everyone who reads this would go to Sarah Berkovits’ Myspace Page and write something encouraging and positive on her wall. She enjoys her myspace time, so the words would really go a long, long way. Thank you in advance to everyone who does this kind act. Ok, that’s it for now. I hope each of you are well, in good health, and happy spirits.

STRANGE RELIGION (Written by Mark Lanegan)

Can you stay here next to me?

We’ll just keep drivin’

Because of you I see a light

The Buick’s a Century, a ‘73 like you

Some strange religion

I get my hands on some money momma, and a shot in the night

Stared down the past and just scarred my eyes

Now I know there’s no easy ride

She’s been the kind who would take it in stride

Some jack of diamonds kicked her heart around

Did they know they were walking on holy ground?

Almost called it a day so many times

Didn’t know what it felt like to be alive

‘Til you been a friend to me, like nobody else could be

Keep my hands on the wheel now momma

Gonna honestly try

She looked past the scars and the burned out eyes

You could see I’m no easy ride

She’s just the kind who might get you to buy

Some strange religion

This jack of diamonds kicked her heart around

Shoulda known they were walking on holy ground

This life might eventually just be the end of me, will I still be with you

Get in next to me, just keep driving

Cause of you I been alive

And this Buick’s a Century, ‘73 like you

Some strange religion

The Buick’s a Century, ‘73 like you

Some strange religion

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Israel Update: Work, Work, & More Work

Current mood: drained

So I’ve been working a lot recently and can’t seem to find the energy to update this blog as often as I’d like. In truth, I’ve kind of settled into a routine at this point and the unknown is quickly becoming common. I like my life in Israel and I am adapting quickly to the local customs and way of being. Since I started my job I have only worked a total of 5 days. Yet each of those days has been about 10-11 hours of intense work. Now maybe I describe the work as intense because I’ve never had a “proper” job to compare it with, but I’m pretty certain it can be described as intense in absolute terms. The company is always doing a 1,001 things every second. My boss has given me about 100 of those things to oversee. I appreciate his faith and confidence in me, but I have no clue what the heck is going on. I get everything done because I stay at work for 10 + hours and often eat lunch at my desk instead of walking around in the sunshine. I sound as if I am bitching, but I’m not - I really, really enjoy the challenge. I work with brilliant people and I feel great that I can keep up, if only barely. Today my boss payed me a nice compliment & told me that I was doing good work. During the last two days, the senior writer (the lady who trains me and assigns me tasks) has been out ill and I have taken her work load. Without a clue, I got stuff done... and well! I think maybe I should’ve entered the workforce earlier. That way I could have been VP or something by now. I kid! But Seriously (A little Phil Collins reference there ), I hope I don’t burn out too soon. In other news... I have a wedding to attend this weekend. Should be fun. It will be my 1^st time visiting Jerusalem since I’ve arrived. Hope all is well with everyone.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Israel Update: Wedding, Moving, And Holiday

Current mood:Electric on Acoustic

So it’s been quite a while since my last entry and I have no excuse besides exhaustion, if that counts. I am still working a lot and the weekends just fly by. Since the last time I blogged, I have attended two more weddings. One in Jerusalem during the day. One in Tel Aviv, way into the night. Both were fun in their own ways and marked the end of wedding season (I think). At the end of this month I am moving to a new apartment that happens to be closer to my job. On the downside, it’s farther from the beach. I am making friends slowly, which is good. Now I just need to find some like-minded musicians to bend to my will. I am keeping my employment options open and am itching to start some kind of small business here. I have a few ideas, but nothing solid yet. I have been playing quite a bit of guitar and feel that I am actually progressing a bit with the instrument after a long, steady lull of sorts. I haven’t had time to read. I’ve listened to a LOT of Neil Young and Mark Knopfler in the last weeks - A co-worker and I DL and listen to a new record by each artist almost daily. Everyone should listen to the Robert Plant & Alison Krauss record entitled “Raising Sand.” It is UNBELIEVABLY good. Mr. Plant doesn’t sound like his usual banshee self. What else??? Uh... I am starting to be a little homesick. Nothing severe, but happening nevertheless. I finally am going to receive my first payment tomorrow after much aggravation. It’s sometimes very difficult to deal with these people here because they don’t seem to give much of a shit. In turn, I get frustrated and treat them like shit, which perpetuates the already stifled communication of transaction. What is weird though is that I enjoy the overall mood and spirit here. When I meet people I don’t need to rely on to do something bureaucratic for me, we get along quite well. This past weekend I spent some time with a friend I haven’t seen in 10 years. We both spent some time on a kibbutz in 1998 and we walked down the shore exchanging memories. Needless to say, the experience was great - Nothing beats a bright stroll down pleasant memory lane. I may go see AIR (french band). They are playing 2 nights in Tel Aviv. The Holidays are coming, and that means time off of work. Finally I can catch up with all the catching up I wanted to catch up on. Ketchup. What else?? I miss you guys. Write, visit, call, fax, telgram! Be in touch! I shaved my head and now I am officially Israeli. Sorry for the scattershoddyness of this blog. I am all over the road like a drunk motorist on speed. I assure you I am bone sober and well. Ok, that’s all for now. Love you.

Going Live Retroactively

2009-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

My future wife, Mrs. Spector.

So I've officially lived in Israel since August 18th, 2008 and I've neglected to erect this blog. Well... consider it erect and coming very, very soon...

Andrei Is Real

Today in Tel Aviv July 3rd, 2009

Last Night in Tel Aviv June 29th, 2009

Last Night in Tel Aviv June 28th, 2009

Becca & Alon Get Married June 25th, 2009

Scenes from an Engagement Party June 18th, 2009

Gutter Twins Perform at Club BarbieSeptember 3rd, 2008

This is what I said when I had it to say... A Month Of Collective Musings: August 23 - September 23, 2008

Going Live Retroactively